NEWS

Captain Kekana Throws Down The Gauntlet

Mamelodi Sundowns’ mantra for the defence of their CAF Champions League mantle is quite simple: Never give up.

This is the belief of captain Hlompho Kekana, who is convinced that his side has the capacity and mental strength to beat Tunisian Giants Esperance when the two bulls meet in Tunisia on Wednesday.

“We are no longer underdogs, but rather the team to beat. It is normal for defending champions to be put under pressure. What remains for us is to remain humble in our approach, and to make sure we win our games,” the inspirational hard man said.

Kekana said that the training conditions where they prepared for the game were good, but what he was pleased about was the commitment and determination the boys showed.

“We prepared well, and it is clear all the players want to win. It is very important for us to win so that we are in a good space. We will go to the stadium to play our own game, and hopefully win.”

“We now know the logistics of playing in the Champions League – the long traveling hours, the long hours at airports. We are just happy as players. We are learning life lessons which you do not find in text books. The experiences are making us better players, better people and better individuals.

“We are getting stronger mentally, and we will never give up. We are testing ourselves, our character and how we handle ourselves.”

“We know the difference between our domestic league and the Champions League, and have adapted.”

Asked how they would approach the game on Wednesday, Kekana said that they are determined to take the game to the Tunisians. “We need the points, perhaps more than they do, and if we play our normal game, I see us winning.”

The African champions lost the reverse fixture against Esperance at home, but Kekana also believes that that match has given them an indication as to whet they can expect in Tunisia.

Kekana is returning from injury, but the positive from this is that he has had the chance to refresh following a punishing campaign in which he featured in the majority of the games.

The match is live on Wednesday night on Supersport 4 (channel 204) from 22h50.

14 Responses to Captain Kekana Throws Down The Gauntlet

Please Keke ask everyone who will be given chance to play to share the ball selfish and gready doesn’t pay, but dedication ,determination and hard work yield rewards at the end. look at Bayern Munich ,R Madrid ,Barcelona ,Juventus they always win because of unity and telepathic understanding amongst their players.I wish this philosophy is injected to Masandawane player’s this will benefit them individually/financially e.g (moving to abroad )and the country will also benefit wishing you good luck guys

We are behind you all the way, go on and make Mzansi proud.The whole of southern Africa is behind you. With the right mentality and approach, we will get maximum points in Tunisia tomorrow. All the best soldiers of football,we love you so much. My blood is yellow! !!!!!!